1. GCSE Computer Science 2 YEAR COURSE Business & ICT Department

2.  Inspire and enthuse students to become technology savvy.  Give the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of computing.  Value computational thinking, help students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. Course Aims Business & ICT Department

3. Component 1 – Practical Programming  Approximately 50 hours of controlled assessment.  2 tasks of 25 hours each worth 60% of the marks.  Internally assessed, externally moderated.  Different tasks will be provided by AQA each year.  Each student should complete two tasks from a choice of four.  Working independently students demonstrate their ability to code a solution to a given problem. The tasks will be set in engaging and relevant contexts, e.g. gaming, web, mobile phone applications.

4. Component 2 – Computing Fundamentals  1 hour 30 minutes exam worth 40% of the marks.  Externally assessed.  All questions will be compulsory and will be taken from across the subject content.  This component will include a range of types of questions from very short to extended answer.

5. Type of Learner  This course would suit students that:  Are logical thinkers.  Good at Maths and/or Science.  Enjoy programming.  Curious about the workings of computers.  It is not an ‘IT’ course and will be different from students previous experience of ICT.

6. Progression  Following successful completion of the GCSE Computer Science, pupils can choose to complete: Vocational or academic computing/ICT courses at sixth form or college. A form of Information Technology apprenticeship.  Or students may chose to go straight into employment where they may like to think about being:  Software Engineer  Programmer  App Designer  Help Desk Support to name but a few. Business & ICT Department

7. GCSE Computer Science follows the standard GCSE grading from G through to A*. GRADING